LLOYDMINSTER, Alta. — A year-long joint investigation by organized crime units in Alberta and Saskatchewan has led to the seizure of nearly $225,000 worth of drugs and two handguns.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team says it partnered with the Saskatchewan RCMP's Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team on an investigation into alleged interprovincial drug trafficking.
Police say the network affected communities on both sides of the provincial border, including Lloydminster, Cold Lake, Maidstone, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Spiritwood, Cumberland House, Saskatoon, Creighton, Holbein and Edmonton.
The investigation concluded with the final arrest on Aug. 5.
Police seized 2.6 kilograms of cocaine, 62 grams of fentanyl and 418 grams of a cocaine buffing agent.
Two handguns, ammunition and a prohibited extended handgun magazine were also seized.
ALERT says the handguns were not lawfully possessed and will be examined by Alberta's Provincial Firearms Lab to determine whether they were used in other criminal offences.
Four people face a combined 48 drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Kout Buttic, 31, of Edmonton, Kreston David, 26, of Spruce Grove, Conin Whitedeer, 22, of Cold Lake, and Jandin Thomas, 19, of Cumberland House, Sask., have been charged.
"A lot of communities were impacted by this drug network's reach, and thanks to our joint efforts with STRT, we were able to strike back and take firearms and drugs out of the wrong hands," ALERT Insp. Brad Lundeen said in a statement.
Sgt. Aaron Gervais with the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team says the unit works to disrupt criminal groups involved in moving drugs and illegal firearms within Saskatchewan and across provincial boundaries.
Police say the investigation also involved Cold Lake, Lloydminster and Battlefords RCMP, the RCMP's National Weapons Enforcement Support Team and the Edmonton Police Service.
ALERT is funded by the Alberta government and focuses on serious and organized crime.
